It is relatively easy to discern the problems facing the Roma. They are very clear to identify and define.

The Roma need public support for tackling the problems.

Instead of support, however, the public tend to hold the Roma as responsible for the problems they face.

I think that this distorted opinion comes from gross public ignorance and a lack of clear perspective on the part of the public.

The Roma community thus suffers from decades of unresolved problems. Money and resources tend to be invested in Roma communities, by external agencies, without any real conviction that the problems of the Roma are not of ethnic origin, but systemic.

The situation of the Roma is a litmus test for dire social and economic problems affecting or threatening to affect the Czech society. The problems faced by the Roma are an early warning of problems in store for the whole of the country.

As an ambassador, I see my role as a campaigner for increased public awareness of the situation of the Roma and the problems facing the society at large.